Receptacle filling apparatus



Aug. 2, 1966 H. LAUB RECEPTACLE FILLING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 3, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug. 2, 1966 H. LAUB RECEPTACLE FILLING APPARATUS INVENTOR 4Z/5f la W.. 9u .Tv e m s W d 2 F w la @MW 5 Filed Oct. 3, 1965 e iwf@ United States Patent O 3,263,711 RECEPTACLE FILLING APPARATUS Herman Laub, 244 N. San Marino Ave., San Gabriel, Calif.

Filed Oct. 3, 1963, Ser. No. 313,548 13 Claims. (Cl. 141-40) This invention relates to an improved receptacle iilling apparatus.

It is an object of this invention to provide a device wherein a receptacle for example, a bottle, may be iilled with a ydesired `quantity of fluid, and which device will shut itself off when the quantity has been delivered.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide such a receptable filling device which `will not under or over ll .the receptacle.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide a device which is easily applied to the `receptacle to be filled, readily actuated to accomplish the lling, and functions in a relatively rapid manner.

Still a further object is to use the dynamic pressure of the moving filling iiuid to hold the valve open and the static pressure to hold it closed.

A further object of this invention is to provide a device in which a pressure unbalance is relied upon to terminate ilow into the receptacle.

Still `a further object is to fill Iflexible containers which yield irregularly under pressure and vacuum without distorting the containers in the process.

Another object is to till open top containers to a certain predetermined height without closing off the tip.

Still another object is to accurately lill containers that are difficult to seal without dripping.

Other objects and advantages will be readily apparent from the following description.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a sectional View of a device embodying this invention.

FIGURE 2 is a section of the tip end of the device of FIGURE 1 and bearing a modified form of tip.

FIGURE 3 is a View similar to FIGURE 1 of a modied form of this invention.

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIGURE 2 of the modification of FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIGURE l of a further modication of this invention.

FIGURE v6 is a view taken along line 6-6 of FIG- URE 5 with the tip in the raised position.

FIGURE 7 is `a fragmentary section illustrating a -further modilication of the tip.

FIGURE 8 is a view similar to FIGURE l of a further modiflication of this invention.

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary section of a modi-lied form of piston.

FIGURE l0 is a section illustrating insertion of the air nozzle into the modified piston.

FIGURE 11 is a further modification of the `tip of the device of FIGURE 8.

Referring now to FIGURE l, a receptacle 10, which `may take any desired shape or form, is delivered rnechanically or otherwise beneath a platform 12 to be iilled with liquid. Suspended from platform 12 is a sleeve 14 which is threaded at its uppermost extremity to screw onto bolt 16 projecting through platform 12. The sleeve has a bore therethrough which has an upper chamber 118 having lan inlet 20 and an outlet 22. The sleeve has a lower chamber 24 into which a tube 26 projects which is secured to the sleeve as by welding 28. An inlet 3l) for iiuid to be introduced into the receptacle is provided to chamber 24.

A piston,3f2 having a bore 34 therethrough and a peripheral sealing ring 36 thereon is provided in cham- 3 ,263,71 l Patented August 2, 1966 ber 18 and has a hollo-w tube 38 aiiixed thereto in bore 34 the extremity of which tube projects beyond the extremity of concentric tube 26. An eductor member 4t is concentric lwith tube 38 and screws into threaded neck 42 between chambers 18 and 24.

At the lowermost extremity of tube 38, a tip 44 is provided having a central bore 46` therethrough cornmunicating with the interior of said tube and carrying a peripheral sealing ring 43 adapted to seat against the lower end of outer tube 26. The tip also carries a hollow sleeve 49 having flow openings Sil therethrough to permit flow out of same into receptacle 10. In operati-on, air under pressure is supplied through inlet 20 forcingpiston 32 to the lowermost position in chamber 18 and moving tip 4'4 downwardly unseating same from tube 26 whereby fluid under pressure from a suitable source will flow through inlet 30 into chamber 24 and between tubes 26 and 38 through outlets `5t) and into `the receptacle 10.

A source of vacuum is connected through outlet 22 after the air under pressure has been shut off. Until the level of the iiuid in the receptacle reaches tip 44, t-he tip will remain in the lower position. Eductor 40 assists during flow into receptacle 10` in reducing the pressure on the underface of piston 32 to maintain the piston in the lower position. When the level of the liquid reaches tip 44 and blocks off bore 46 the pressure on t'he upper face of piston 32 is reduced and same rises in chamber 18 until tip 44 and sealing ring 48 seat on the bottom of tube 26 precluding further flow into receptable 10. The device will remain in this position by pressure of iluid on the yunderside of the piston until sufficient air pressure is introduced through inlet 2t) to drive the piston to the lower or delivery position.

In FIGURE 2 a modified form of tip is provided wherein outwardly directed holes 52 communicate with bore 46 and the interior of tube 33. These holes function to hold the tip up by Virtue of the vacuum on top of the piston and any drops of the liquid which may adhere to tip 44 will be picked up by the tip hole or bore 46. An lanti-splash feature is provided by screw head 47 threaded into tip 44 forming an inclined ledge which detlects droplets away `from bore 46 and back into receptacle 10.

In FIGURE 3 a modied form of the device is illustrated wherein like parts having the same function are given thesame numerical designation with the addition of the exponent 61. The air inlet 20 has been elimi- Anated and lowering of the piston 32a is achieved mechanically. A cam 56 is suitably rotated to depress operating rod 53 which projects through the closedy top of sleeve 14a into chamber 18a and is screwed into piston 32a. Also the eductor40 has been omitted and shut oil? action is faster.

A seatingring or washer 58a may be mounted on the outer periphery of tube 26a adapted to form a seal with the neck of receptacle 10a when held by spacer 59. With this sealing ring, the device will function when the pressure in inlet 30a exceeds that in outlet 22a. This pressure differential may be effected either by applying a vacuum through 22a in which event the liquid is drawn through inlet 30a until shut oli as in the prior embodiment, or the liquid may be under suiiicient pressure to create the required differential'. Pressure on tip 44a offsets the weight of the pistonand tip. When the tube is removed pressure on the bottom of the piston holds same shut.

FIGURE 4 illustrates the tip 44a in the lower or liquid delivering position.

`While two means have been illustrated for depressing the piston 32, other means `such as a solenoid or other mechanicaldevices may beutilizedfor this purpose.

In FIGURES 5 and 6 a further embodiment is shown wherein like parts are given the same numerical designation with the addition of the exponent cf In this device the tube 26C is not xed to sleeve 14C but merely projects telescopically into chamber 24C thereof and sealing rings 60 prevent leakage. A guide ring 62 is fixed upon outer tube 26e which may rest upon the top of receptacle c. A spring seat 64 is fixed upon tube 26C and coil spring 66 bears against same and against sleeve 14C in annulus 68. In operation, the tube 26C is inserted into receptacle 10c as seen in FIGURE 6. The sleeve is then further lowered until the upper end of tube 26C abuts shoulder 70 thereby unseating from tip 44C. Inability of fiuid to fiow quickly up eductor or to chamber 18e holds the piston down and hence tip open when sleeve 26C is quickly depressed by being inserted in receptacle. When flow into the receptacle 10c fills same to the level of tip 44a` the device shuts off as in the prior described embodiments. When tube is withdrawn from receptacle, sleeve 26C and tip 44C are returned to their extreme lower positions remaining closed. The tip 44C in this embodiment may be slightly modified to include a cut-away portion 74 which deflects a portion of fluid entering the receptacle into the cone thereof entering the receptacle to break same up and avoid trapping air beneath the cone in the receptacle. The extremity of tube 38a is cut on an incline 76 (see FIGURE 6), to avoid dripping after the tube is removed from the receptacle and to prevent picking up spray droplets which could shut the tip. The angle 78 of inclination should be greater than 45 degrees to accomplish this. Where certain liquids are used, it is desirable to increase this angle which may be accomplished by screwing sleeve 80 (see FIGURE 7) onto the tip and where angle 82 is greater than 45 degrees.

Turning now to the embodiment of FIGURE 8, it is frequently desirable to fill the receptacle 10d from the bottom to reduce frothing thereof and the device illustrated accomplishes this. In this modification, like parts are given the same numerical designation with the exponent d. The tube 26d has mounted thereon an outer sleeve 84 concentric therewith and the Vacuum is applied through tube 86 communicating with chamber 18d to the annulus 88 between tube 26d and sleeve 84, instead of through tube 38d. When the liquid discharged through tube 26d as in the prior embodiments reaches the level of sleeve 84 the piston 32d rises as in the prior embodiments and tip 44d seats in tube 26d shutting off flow. The piston has a cross passage 90 which communicates with vacuum inlet 22d through passage 91 and with hollow tube 38d to hold any drip which may remain on tip 44 when withdrawn from the receptacle with the pressure of fluid entering inlet 30d holding the piston in the uppermost position.

Sleeve 84 depends from block 93. A collar 95 is secured upon tube 26d permitting relative motion between the collar and block. Upon the blocks contacting the receptacle 10d, sleeve 84 unseats from tip 44d and upon collar 95 contacting block 93, tube 26d unseats from tip 44d and filling commences. Flow creates the eductor reaction through passage 97 as heretofore described holding piston 32d down and tip 44d open while filling.

An additional means for preventing dripping is illustrated in FIGURE 11 wherein the tube 26d is solid and at least one diagonal passage 99 is formed in tip 44d to communicate with the space between sleeve 84 and tube 26d and hence with the vacuum source when the tip is seated against sleeve 84.

In FIGURES 9 and 10 additional means are illustrated which may be utilized to prevent a drop of fluid from remaining on the tip when the receptacle is filled. A flexible one way valve element 92 is retained in piston 32e by a snap ring 94. A valve opening member 96 nicates through tube 98 with a source of vacuum (not shown). When piston 32e raises in chamber 18e as the receptacle is filled, the opening member 96 enters valve element 92 as shown in FIGURE l0, the vacuum acts in tube 38e and air is drawn through tube 38e, and the tip thereon drawing up any droplet which may adhere thereto into the receptacle. This arrangement is particularly desirable where certain dangerous fiuids are being handled.

While what hereinbefore have been described as the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is readily apparent that alterations and modifications may be resorted to without departing from the scope of this invention and such alterations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A device for filling a container with fluid comprising: a hollow member having one end thereof insertable into said container, means for introducing fluid to be delivered to said container into said member, a chamber communicating with said member, a piston in said chamber, a tip adapted to seat against the end of said member which is insertable into said container, connecting means interconnecting said tip and said piston, means for reducing pressure above said piston below pressure of said fiuid introduced into said tube, means for communicating said reduced pressure to said container whereby when fluid in said container reaches the level of said last mentioned means, said piston will rise in said chamber and seat said tip against said tube, an eductor in said tube between the under surface o'f said piston and means for introducing fiuid into said member.

2. A device for filling a container with fluid comprising: a hollow member having one end thereof insertable into said container, means for introducing fiuid to be delivered to said container into said member, a chamber communicating with said member, a piston in said chamber, a tip adapted to seat against the end of said member which is insertable into said container, connecting means interconnecting said tip and said piston, means for reducing pressure above said piston below pressure of said fluid introduced into said tube, means for communicating said reduced pressure to said container whereby when fluid in said container reaches the level of said last mentioned means, said piston will rise in said chamber and seat said tip against said tube, an eductor in said tube between the under surface of said piston, means for introducing fluid into said member, and means for moving said piston in said chamber to unseat said tip from the end of said tube to permit flow into a container.

3. A device for filling a container with fluid, comprising: a hollow member having an outlet at one end thereof insertable into said container, means for introducing fluid to be delivered to said container into said member, means defining a chamber above said member, a piston in said chamber, a movable tip adapted to seat against the outlet end of said member to close said outlet, connecting means interconnecting said tip and said piston, vacuum means for withdrawing air from said chamber above said piston, and passage means establishing communication between said chamber above said piston and said container, said last-named means terminating at one end in a port in said container when said outlet end is in said container whereby when fluid in said container reaches the level of and closes said port the pressure in said chamber is reduced by said vacuum means to cause said piston to rise in said chamber to seat said tip against said outlet end and close said outlet.

4. A device as set forth in claim 3 including means for moving said piston downwardly in said chamber to thereby move said tip and open said outlet.

5. A device as set forth in claim 3 including sealing means forming a seal between said container and the end of said hollow member in said container.

6. A device for filling a container with fluid comprising: a pair of hollow members, one within the other, the outer one of which has an end adapted to be inserted into a container to be filled, a piston in the outer member and secured on the inner member, a tip on said inner member for closing said above-mentioned end of the outer member, means for introducing fiuid into said outer member between said piston and the above mentioned end of the outer member, a source of vacuum for withdrawing air from said outer member above said piston, and passage means providing communication between said region above said piston and having a terminus in said container when said outer end is inserted in said container whereby fluid in said container may close said terminus to cause said source of vacuum to lower the pressure above said piston and thereby cause said piston to actuate said tip to `close said end of said outer member.

7. A device as defined in claim 6 wherein said passage means comprises a passageway extending longitudinally through said inner member and piston.

8. A device as defined in claim 6 including additional means for selectively moving'said piston and tip in a direction to permit flow of fluid out of said outer member.

9. A device as defined in claim 6 wherein said tip is shaped to deflect fiuid fiowing therepast from said outer member into said container, away from the terminus of said passage means in said container.

10. A device as defined in claim 6 wherein said lastnamed means comprises a passageway extending longitudinally through said inner member, said piston and said tip, and at least one further opening in said tip extending laterally from said passageway through a side of said tip.

11. A device as deined in claim 6 wherein said lastnamed means comprises a passageway extending longitudinally through said inner member and piston, and means for venting said passageway to atmosphere when said tip is in said position to shut ofi said flow.

12. A device as defined in claim 6 wherein said last- 6 named means comprises a passageway extending longitudinally through said inner member, said piston and said tip, the lower end of said tip defining a surface, through which said passageway extends, and arranged at an angle o'f more than forty-five degrees from the horizontal when said passageway is vertical.

13. A device for filling a container With fluid comprising: a hollow member having an outlet. at one extremity thereof insertable into a container to be filled, a housing member telescopically receiving the other extremity of said hollow member, spring means biasing said housing member to fan uppermost position with respect to said hollow member, a chamber within said housing member, a piston within said chamber, a tip adapted to seat against the extremity of said hollow member insertable into said container to close said outlet, means for introducing fiuid to be delivered into said container into said housing and hollow member beneath said piston, means interconnecting said piston and said tip, means for withdrawing air from said housing above said piston, and means providing communication between said region above said piston and said container whereby depression of said housing and said piston unseats said tip to permit flow into said container until fiuid reaches the terminus of said last mentioned means in said container whereby the pressure above said piston is reduced and said piston moves in the reverse direction reseating said tip and terminating flow into said container.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,518,349 8/1950 McCabe 14h-294 X 2,665,706 1/1954 Hansen 137-393 2,907,345 10/1959 Randall 251-30 X LAVERNE D. GEIGER, Primary Examiner.

H. BELL, Assistant Examiner. 

6. A DEVICE FOR FILLING A CONTAINER WITH FLUID COMPRISING: A PAIR OF HOLLOW MEMBERS, ONE WITHIN THE OTHER, THE OUTER ONE OF WHICH HAS AN END ADAPTED TO BE INSERTED INTO A CONTAINER TO BE FILLED, A PISTON IN THE OUTER MEMBER AND SECURED ON THE INNER MEMBER, A TIP ON SAID INNER MEMBER FOR CLOSING SAID ABOVE-MENTIONED END OF THE OUTER MEMBER, MEANS FOR INTRODUCING FLUID INTO SAID OUTER MEMBER BETWEEN SAID PISTON AND THE ABOVE MENTIONED END OF THE OUTER MEMBER, A SOURCE OF VACUUM FOR WITHDRAWING AIR FROM SAID OUTER MEMBER ABOVE SAID PISTON, AND PASSAGE MEANS PROVIDING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SAID REGION ABOVE SAID PISTON AND HAVING A TERMINUS IN SAID CONTAINER WHEN SAID OUTER END IS INSERTED IN SAID CONTAINER WHEREBY FLUILD IN SAID CONTAINER MAY CLOSE SAID 